This advertising poster was created by Plinio Codognato in 1927. Codognato (1878–1940) was a prominent Italian advertising designer and illustrator whose career spanned the early twentieth century.
Codognato trained under Mosè Bianchi and established himself as one of Italy’s leading commercial artists. In 1913, he created what would become his most celebrated poster—the advertisement for the inaugural performance of Verdi’s Aida at the Arena di Verona. Following the First World War, he relocated to Milan, where he served as official designer for FIAT for approximately twenty years, creating numerous campaigns and founding the company’s magazine. Beyond automotive advertising, Codognato designed posters for major brands including Pirelli, Campari, Cinzano, and Liebig. He also produced illustrations for publications such as L’Illustrazione Italiana and created paintings of note.
About Plinio Codognato
Codognato was born in Verona in 1878 and died in Milan in 1940. Over his career, he produced approximately 1,000 posters, establishing himself as a cornerstone figure in Italian commercial design. A selection of his work is held in the Raccolta Salce collection at the Civic Museums of Treviso.
Details
- Creator: Plinio Codognato
- Year: 1927
- Object type: Advertising poster
- Movement: Early twentieth-century Italian commercial design
- Archive: Some works preserved in the Raccolta Salce, Treviso
Frequently asked questions
Who was Plinio Codognato?
Plinio Codognato (1878–1940) was an Italian advertising designer and illustrator known for creating approximately 1,000 posters over his career. He was a student of Mosè Bianchi and became one of Italy’s most significant commercial artists, working for major brands including FIAT, Pirelli, and Campari.
What is Codognato’s most famous work?
Codognato’s most celebrated poster is the 1913 advertisement for the inaugural performance of Verdi’s Aida at the Arena di Verona. He also served as official designer for FIAT for approximately twenty years following the First World War.
Where can Codognato’s work be seen today?
A selection of Codognato’s posters is held in the Raccolta Salce collection, preserved at the Civic Museums of Treviso.
